About the Campbell Adult and Online Education (AOE) Master of Science in Applied Leadership Program
Whether you are growing into leadership or seeking advancement, Master of Science in Applied Leadership program helps you lead with clarity, purpose, and impact. This program develops research-based skills needed to lead in many contexts, from non-profits to corporations, and from community groups to educational institutions and the U.S. Military.
This program embeds real-world experience by bringing in experts in a variety of leadership roles across many fields. The curriculum and assessment both focus on the application of concepts and are based on the premise that everyone can develop strong leadership capabilities.
In addition to core coursework, students may personalize their learning through a wide range of elective offerings. These electives are organized into three optional focus areas: Data Analytics and Decision Making, Organizational Leadership, and Higher Education Leadership. While these focus areas provide structure for those seeking a suggested course structure, students are not required to select a grouping and may choose any combination of electives to best support their individual goals.
Why Choose Campbell AOE for Your Applied Leadership Degree
The Master of Science in Applied Leadership prepares aspiring and emerging leaders to make an immediate impact in any field. With a highly competitive tuition rate of $520 per credit hour, this program offers exceptional value while equipping you with practical, career‑ready skills you can apply from day one.
Grounded in the belief that leadership is learned, not inherited, this program empowers you to grow your influence in the workplace, community, and every area of life.
Integrated, Interdisciplinary Core
Experience a cohesive seven‑course core that blends leadership theory with real‑world application.
Skills You Can Use Immediately
Every course is built around hands-on, actionable learning. You will strengthen your abilities in communication, collaboration, strategic thinking, and decision-making – skills employers want and you can apply right away.
Build a Professional ePortfolio
Throughout the program, you will document applied projects in an electronic portfolio (ePortfolio). By graduation, you will have a polished, shareable collection of work that demonstrates your leadership strengths to employers and professional networks.
Gain High-Demand Managerial Skills
- Change management
- Conflict resolution
- Project management
- Finance and data analysis
These competencies prepare you for leadership roles in business, healthcare, education, nonprofits, government, and beyond.
A Degree Designed for Working Professionals
Flexible. Applied. Career-focused.
The Applied Leadership MAS Curriculum
Courses You Will Take
Courses are designed in eight-week accelerated terms to allow flexibility for adult learners.
- LEAD 601: Ethics and Leadership
- LEAD 602: Leadership Foundation and Theories
- LEAD 603: Building Trust and Effective Communication
- LEAD 604: Leading Teams and Collaborations
- LEAD 605: Change Management and Creativity
- LEAD 606: Overcoming Challenges, Conflict and Courage
- LEAD 701: Capstone: Implementing leadership Skills
Electives (Choose 9 Total Credits):
| Data Analytics and Decision Making | Organizational Leadership | Higher Education Leadership |
|---|---|---|
|
LEAD 501: Data Analytics I |
LEAD 520: Financial Management for Non-Financial Leaders |
LEAD 530: History of Higher Education in America |
|
LEAD 502: Data Analytics II |
LEAD 551: Project Management |
LEAD 531: Leadership in Higher Education |
|
LEAD 510: Problem-Solving and Root Cause Analysis |
LEAD 552 (MBA 752): Human Resources Management |
LEAD 532: Current Issues in Higher Education |
Skills You Will Learn
The curriculum in the Master of Science in Applied Leadership prepares you to lead in a wide range of areas and disciplines. You will develop both knowledge and real-world skill, applying concepts and theories to both cases and aspects of your life. This program will give you the knowledge, skills, and grounding in your personal life so you can lead with purpose. In addition, each course emphasizes skill development in:
- Ethical Leadership Theories
- Classical and Contemporary Leadership Approaches
- Proficient and Artful Communication
- Theories and Practices for Implementing Organizational Change, Prioritizing the Importance of a Culture the Supports Innovation and Creativity
- How to Handle Challenges, Deal Effectively with Conflict, and Find the Courage to Make and Implement Difficult Decisions and to Deal with Difficult People
- Understanding the Role of Teams and Teamwork in Contemporary Organizations
Jobs with the Applied Leadership Graduate Degree
- Medical & Health Services Manager
- Management Analyst
- General & Operations Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Personal Service Manager
- Military Officer
- Military Advancement
Admissions Requirements
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited US institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
- Satisfy Campbell University General Admission Requirements by submitting a completed application.
- No standardized tests such as GREs are required for full admission.